Wanting info on RBWH Birthing Centre

[Roseythorn]

Hi,

I have just found out I am pregnant with my second child. And am wanting some info on the Birthing Centre at the RBWH, and how is it different to the normal birthing ward where I had my first child.

Also, I live in Kallangur (in pine rivers shire) would I still be eligible to go to the birth centre or would I have to go to Redcliffe hospital?

[TwoBoysOnly]

The Birth Centre firstly runs on a ballot system. If you get in then you are assigned a midwife (and a midwife partner as a backup) who you will meet during your antenatal care and have checkups etc with her and/or her partner. Then when you go into labour you ring your midwife and she will meet you at the birth centre. She will then do some postnatally checkups up until 6 weeks (I think). The birth centre runs on a very 'active birth' model of care. There is gas and pethidine available for pain relief as well as water immersion (the bath), waterbirths are possible if you don't get out of the bath in time. You also go home the next day if all is ok. If anything deviates from the normal you then get transferred to birth suite.

[prideNJoy]

And you are most definately eligible to get in to the Birth Centre, I got my water birth there 5 weeks ago, today:smiliedance: and im in Pine Rivers Shire too. So get your refferal in their ASAP. Congrats on your pregnancy :babydust2:

[stellarella]

The birthing centre is run by midwives within a public hospital. It is midwifery based care for low risk women and the focus is on minimal intervention and natural/active birth. Lots of the routine interventions that go on in the normal birth suites dont go on in the birth centre (unless medically indicated)...things like ARM, induction/augmentation, syntometrine to deliver the placenta, epidurals, continuous foetal monitoring...etc.

Th BC focusses on continuity of care meaning you will have the same midwife/midwives (usually two) see you throughout your pregnancy and also attend your birth. You will have your midwives mobile numbers and they can be phoned at any time. You wont see an OB except fot the initial assessment to see if you are suitable.

The birth centre rooms have double beds, a couch, a spa and a private bathroom. You give birth in the same room that you and your new family then stay in for around 24 hours. Dad stays too which is very different to a normal labour ward.

The birth centre offers water births aswell.

You will be encouraged to take an active role in your labour and all decisions which differs from the normal maternity system where you are basically just told what to do. You will be encouraged to be well informed.

If you encounter any complications or go 14 days past your EDD or you request an epidural during labour then you will be whisked down the hallway about 50m to the normal birth suites however your midwife will still attend you until the baby is born and then you will be whisked back down to the yummy birth centre rooms (unless you have a c/sec in which case you will need to be cared for in the labour ward). The BC is not attended 24 hours.

Ummmm, cant think of anything else at the moment, it is really lovely, I cant speak highly enough of the midwives.

You might see my photos on the wall :D

[Adria]

I think all has been covered.
You need to have your gp fax your referrel ASAP because they draw the ballot out by 16 weeks.
All i can say is it is a fantastic program and can't speak highly enough of it either. Really there should be more places to allow every one to experience it.
The rooms are quite different, a bit like a basic motel room, with a vinyl floor ( i wonder why??..haha) Including little fridge, double bed, fold out double sofa, allowing for partner and family to stay.

[ShadyCharacter]

There is gas and pethidine available for pain reliefLast I checked (3 years ago now), there were no midwives in the BC who would give (even if requested) pethidine as pain relief. There was a pretty unanimous opinion there that the MWs would rather transfer you to the labour ward for an epidural.

But yeah, I can't rate the BC highly enough, and am currently in the ballot for Feb 2008 :fingerscrossed:

[stellarella]

I gave birth a year ago and pethidine was a pain relief option we were told in our classes however it is not recommended, it is the most dangerous pain relief option for the baby and yes an epidural is preferred.

[Roseythorn]

Thanks for all your help.

My doctor has sent in the referral so hopefully I will get into the birth centre. If I miss out I will have to go to Redcliffe Hospital.